New affordable flats for Torquay

Spaces for mobility scooters if you're over 65

Torquay is to get 43 much-need new affordable apartments following a decision of Torbay Council’s planning committee.

The development on derelict land is a mile and a half from the seafront, at the centre of the junction of Hatfield Road, St Marychurch Road and Bronshill Road. It is the former grounds of the early Victorian villa Hatfield House, built in 1845 and demolished in 1963.

The brownfield land was previously occupied by 31 affordable homes and an office block, but these have been demolished.  

The apartments are being built by Sanctuary Affordable Housing Ltd, one of the UK largest social and affordable housing providers. They will be split across six buildings, will be a mixture of one and two-bedroom affordable rented apartments, offered at 80 per cent of market rate.

Nine apartments, each with its own mobility scooter space, will be restricted to people aged 65 and above.

There will be 38 parking spaces, including disabled and visitor bays, of which seven or eight will have electric charging points, and 43 spaces for bikes – one for every home.

The application was warmly welcomed by Torbay’s planning committee as the council struggles to address a housing crisis. 

Ugly flats on the land have now bitten the dust (courtesy: Google Maps)

The latest report by Devon Home Choice found that 1,400 households are in housing need in the Bay.

Councillor Jack Dart (Liberal Democrats, Ellacombe) said he was “massively, massively” happy with the plans, adding: “We don’t see often developments like this come up with 100 per cent affordability, and we do have an enormous issue with housing.”

Councillor Nick Bye (Conservative, Wellswood) said: “It’s incredibly sad that the land has been derelict for some years.  I think what’s going to go on that site now is just great.”

Planners say the large trees around the land will stay, largely shielding the apartments from view.

Building works will only be allowed from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. No building work will take place on Sundays or bank holidays.